The Ruff Report: Dogs and Safety

Sunday

Mar 31, 2013 at 5:20 AM

Pot, grapes, mushrooms are leading pet poisons

The leading cause of plant-related poisonings in pets is grapes/raisins, which are so toxic that even a tiny number can cause acute renal failure in dogs and cats, a survey has found.Mushrooms, second, and marijuana, third, are next on a top-10 list of pet poisonings caused by toxic plants, according to a survey compiled by Veterinary Pet Insurance from its claims by policyholder.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heartTHE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-storeAlso find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.com CLICK HERE TO LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

"Prevention is a simple matter of keeping these hazards out of a pet's environment," Dr. McConnell states in a media release. "To avoid plant poisonings, try not to give a dog table scraps that contain raisins, onions or nuts, and make sure that a new pet is introduced to a backyard free of sago palms, wild mushrooms or other toxic plants."

The mushroom most responsible for poisoning pets is the common backyard variety that often grows in grassy places, especially after a heavy rain, according to the survey. It contains toxic components that disrupt the functioning of the digestive tract and liver. If ingested, mushrooms can cause salivation, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and liver failure. The best way to prevent an accidental ingestion is to regularly scan a yard and remove wild mushrooms.

Pets are most frequently exposed to pot when they eat baked products that had the drug as an ingredient or the remains of marijuana cigarettes.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ingestion of marijuana by a pet can result in depression, lack of coordination as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma. Pets that ingest marijuana should get immediate veterinary treatment. A veterinarian can make the pet vomit to minimize the amount of toxin available to be absorbed or can administer activated charcoal to help reduce the amount of toxin absorbed.Rounding out VPI's list of top 10 toxic plants are: the lily, walnut, onion, sago palm, macadamia nut, azalea and hydrangea.

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foods Chocolate, candies mean danger for dogsFertilizer is another garden-variety toxin often ingested by pets. Its strong smell can motivate a dog to taste or eat it. Some fertilizers contain organophosphate pesticides which impair the nervous system. VPI received 60 claims for organophosphate poisoning. Pet owners can avoid accidents involving fertilizer by using fertilizers that contain no pesticides in areas frequented by pets.

The leading cause of plant-related poisonings in pets is grapes/raisins, which are so toxic that even a tiny number can cause acute renal failure in dogs and cats, a survey has found.Mushrooms, second, and marijuana, third, are next on a top-10 list of pet poisonings caused by toxic plants, according to a survey compiled by Veterinary Pet Insurance from its claims by policyholder.

Story continues below

----------------------------------------------------------------------A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heartTHE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-storeAlso find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.com CLICK HERE TO LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK

"Prevention is a simple matter of keeping these hazards out of a pet's environment," Dr. McConnell states in a media release. "To avoid plant poisonings, try not to give a dog table scraps that contain raisins, onions or nuts, and make sure that a new pet is introduced to a backyard free of sago palms, wild mushrooms or other toxic plants."

The mushroom most responsible for poisoning pets is the common backyard variety that often grows in grassy places, especially after a heavy rain, according to the survey. It contains toxic components that disrupt the functioning of the digestive tract and liver. If ingested, mushrooms can cause salivation, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and liver failure. The best way to prevent an accidental ingestion is to regularly scan a yard and remove wild mushrooms.

Pets are most frequently exposed to pot when they eat baked products that had the drug as an ingredient or the remains of marijuana cigarettes.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ingestion of marijuana by a pet can result in depression, lack of coordination as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma. Pets that ingest marijuana should get immediate veterinary treatment. A veterinarian can make the pet vomit to minimize the amount of toxin available to be absorbed or can administer activated charcoal to help reduce the amount of toxin absorbed.Rounding out VPI's list of top 10 toxic plants are: the lily, walnut, onion, sago palm, macadamia nut, azalea and hydrangea.

Reports about dogs, food and safetyToxic levels of chemical found in dog foods Chocolate, candies mean danger for dogsFertilizer is another garden-variety toxin often ingested by pets. Its strong smell can motivate a dog to taste or eat it. Some fertilizers contain organophosphate pesticides which impair the nervous system. VPI received 60 claims for organophosphate poisoning. Pet owners can avoid accidents involving fertilizer by using fertilizers that contain no pesticides in areas frequented by pets.